Green Bay Packers Try to Bring Fans Into Anthem Demonstration — But They Want None of It

Following Donald Trump’s aggressive comments and a weekend of a record number of protests during the national anthem, the Green Bay Packers invited fans to lock arms during the anthem to send a message.

Then, the Packers released an official statement inviting their fans to participate in their demonstration:

This Thursday during the national anthem at Lambeau Field, Packers players, coaches and staff will join together with arms intertwined—connected like the threads on your favorite jersey. When we take this action, what you will see will be so much more than just a bunch of football players locking arms. The image you will see on September 28th will be one of unity. It will represent a coming together of players who want the same things that all of us do—freedom, equality, tolerance, understanding, and justice for those who have been unjustly treated, discriminated against or otherwise treated unfairly. You will see the sons of police officers, kids who grew up in military families, people who have themselves experienced injustice and discrimination firsthand, and an array of others all linking together in a display of unity.

Those of us joining arms on Thursday will be different in so many ways, but one thing that binds us together is that we are all individuals who want to help make our society, our country and our world a better place. We believe that in diversity there can be UNI-versity. Intertwined, we represent the many people who helped build this country, and we are joining together to show that we are ready to continue to build.

Let’s work together to build a society that is more fair and just.

Join us this Thursday by locking arms with whoever you’re with, stranger or loved one, wherever you are—intertwined and included—in this moment of unification.

But the fans appeared to be determined to stick with tradition. As the national anthem started playing, the entire Packers team linked arms along with the entire Bears team, but the vast majority of their fans seemingly stood with their hands over their hearts honoring the national anthem and the flag.

According to a recent poll, the majority of Americans believe that the players should stand for the national anthem and that seemed to be proven by the Green Bay Packers fan’s actions on Thursday night.